In today’s fast-paced world, short courses offer a flexible and effective way for adult learners to enhance their knowledge and skills. Teagasc equine short courses provide opportunities to connect with others, boost confidence, and open doors to fulfilling experiences while improving knowledge.
If you are interested in expanding your knowledge, or reassessing your approach with your breeding enterprise, the Teagasc equine specialist team, Wendy Conlon and Seán Keane, offer short courses among other events and learning opportunities.
The first course of the year on the topic of ‘Equine Breeding / Reproduction for Sport Horses’ got underway in mid-March and included setting breeding goals, reproductive physiology and husbandry, understanding the phases of the mare’s recycling, mating methods and types of semen, pregnancy confirmation, and health management.
Some of the breeding course group with vet Sue Salter at SES Equine Veterinary Services last December. \ Teagasc
This course costs €200 and is suited to individuals embarking on breeding for the first time or those seeking to enhance or refresh their knowledge. While thoroughbred breeders may find elements of the course beneficial, the course is tailored for sport horse and pony breeders.
Course objectives: to provide information to make informed decisions when starting a sport horse or pony breeding enterprise and to educate new or inexperienced breeders in the fundamentals of equine breeding and reproductive husbandry.
Future courses: expressions of interest are being taken for future courses including ‘Equine Foaling and Neonatal Foal Health’. Beginning on 7 April, this course costs €150 and focuses on preparing for foaling, recognising dystocia, managing the healthcare needs of neonatal foals, and identifying signs of illness. This course is designed for individuals who wish to enhance their understanding of foaling and neonatal foal care.
Course objectives: to provide comprehensive knowledge on preparing for foaling, understanding normal foaling processes, and identifying dystocias (difficult deliveries). The aim is also to equip breeders with the information to manage basic health care needs of neonatal foals and recognise signs of illness.
Delivery dates and times: online on Monday, 7 April and Monday, 14 April from 6.30pm to 9pm.
Farm workshop: Thursday, 1 May, 2pm-4.30pm at the Irish National Stud, Co Kildare, in collaboration with Lauren Eisemann, a long-time foaling attendant at the stud.
Blended learning
These short courses are delivered in a blended learning format, combining written materials, online, and on-farm workshop. They are designed for individuals aged 18 and older. Online sessions are provided using the Zoom platform, therefore a good internet connection is required. The courses are ideal for those new to breeding, or anyone wishing to take a fresh look at their enterprise and management approaches.
The additional networking opportunities with others in the group and with the farm owners are always appreciated by participants. This is suitable for those looking to advance their current expertise or join as a new breeder.
For more details, and booking forms, see teagasc.ie/equinetraining
The breeding course group listening intently at Gloria Nolan Connemara Ponies. \ Teagasc
Young breeders
The Equine Young Breeders IRE Training Programme, a collaborative initiative between Teagasc and Horse Sport Ireland, and supported by the Department of Agriculture Food and Marine since is marking its 20th anniversary this year.
This programme welcomes those aged of 15 to 30 years who are interested in assessing, exhibiting, and breeding performance horses. An avid interest and eagerness to participate and learn are all that is required to get involved.
The skills and knowledge acquired through this training are applicable in many contexts, including evaluating potential horses or ponies for purchase, selecting mares and stallions for breeding, assessing offspring, and presenting horses for inspection, sale, shows or competitions.
Training sessions
Training sessions primarily focus on assessing conformation and athleticism traits, including movement and jumping abilities, while also offering insights into various breeding and production yards nationwide. Biennial national and world championships serve as platforms for both competition, and learning.
Irish teams have achieved notable successes at world championships over the years, with highlights such as the 2009 Studbook Bronze in Ireland, the 2013 Swedish Studbook Reserve World Championships, and The Netherlands 2022 Studbook World Championships among numerous other accolades for Irish teams and individuals.
Individuals aged 16-26 years old in 2026 (ie born between 2000 and 2010) are eligible for selection to participate in the upcoming World Championship in Germany at the historic Celle State Stud.
The Young Breeders Programme offers a fantastic opportunity for young individuals to connect with peers nationwide who share a passion for horses, ensuring engaging conversations and often lasting friendships. Training this year resumed with a visit to eventer Ian Cassells who is entering the 2025 season on the back of a simply masterful 2024 season. The discussion focused on conformation and athleticism traits, and what makes a good event horse. Training moves to Melanie and Neil Wrynn’s Ardeo Sport Horses, Newcastle, Co Wicklow on 5 April. Additional events will be scheduled in the coming months.
Selection
The programme does not require formal membership, allowing participants to attend training sessions as their schedules permit. Many choose to travel extensively across the country, attending as many training days as possible. The most effective way to learn is by observing many different horses and discussing their traits with experienced horse people.
For those aspiring to join the team during World Championships 2026, dedicated attendance and active participation are expected. Selection for the team involves attending compulsory selection days and additional training sessions leading up to the event.
Detailed information about the selection process, training schedules, and booking can be found teagasc.ie/rural-economy/rural-development/equine/young-breeders-programme/. Follow ‘Equine Young Breeders IRE’ on Facebook or Instagram.
Head to Normandy and learn from top French breedersA limited number of seats are available for the upcoming Equine Educational Tour to France (6-10 September) which includes attending the ‘Grandes Semaines de Fontainebleau’ young horse finals, followed by three days visiting breeding and production farms across Normandy specialising in show jumping and eventing, and a visit to Cirale veterinary school, clinic, and research centre.
For more details, visit Teagasc’s Equine educational tours page.
Over the years, Teagasc has organised several similar tours, providing valuable networking opportunities with fellow travellers and farm personnel.
The minimum age for participants is 18 years. These tours are designed for individuals eager to expand their knowledge of breeding and production. Please note that the days are intensive, with early starts, and not intended as a holiday experience. Tour partner Group Travel International manages the logistical aspects and bookings for the tour.
Other upcoming events
The ‘Let’s Talk Equine’ webinar series offers free monthly sessions on a variety of topics. Recordings of previous webinars and registration for live webinars is accessible at teagasc.ie/letstalkequine. Further educational offerings are in planning for the remainder of the year. To stay informed about upcoming events, sign up for the Teagasc Equine Newsletter via their website.
In today’s fast-paced world, short courses offer a flexible and effective way for adult learners to enhance their knowledge and skills. Teagasc equine short courses provide opportunities to connect with others, boost confidence, and open doors to fulfilling experiences while improving knowledge.
If you are interested in expanding your knowledge, or reassessing your approach with your breeding enterprise, the Teagasc equine specialist team, Wendy Conlon and Seán Keane, offer short courses among other events and learning opportunities.
The first course of the year on the topic of ‘Equine Breeding / Reproduction for Sport Horses’ got underway in mid-March and included setting breeding goals, reproductive physiology and husbandry, understanding the phases of the mare’s recycling, mating methods and types of semen, pregnancy confirmation, and health management.
Some of the breeding course group with vet Sue Salter at SES Equine Veterinary Services last December. \ Teagasc
This course costs €200 and is suited to individuals embarking on breeding for the first time or those seeking to enhance or refresh their knowledge. While thoroughbred breeders may find elements of the course beneficial, the course is tailored for sport horse and pony breeders.
Course objectives: to provide information to make informed decisions when starting a sport horse or pony breeding enterprise and to educate new or inexperienced breeders in the fundamentals of equine breeding and reproductive husbandry.
Future courses: expressions of interest are being taken for future courses including ‘Equine Foaling and Neonatal Foal Health’. Beginning on 7 April, this course costs €150 and focuses on preparing for foaling, recognising dystocia, managing the healthcare needs of neonatal foals, and identifying signs of illness. This course is designed for individuals who wish to enhance their understanding of foaling and neonatal foal care.
Course objectives: to provide comprehensive knowledge on preparing for foaling, understanding normal foaling processes, and identifying dystocias (difficult deliveries). The aim is also to equip breeders with the information to manage basic health care needs of neonatal foals and recognise signs of illness.
Delivery dates and times: online on Monday, 7 April and Monday, 14 April from 6.30pm to 9pm.
Farm workshop: Thursday, 1 May, 2pm-4.30pm at the Irish National Stud, Co Kildare, in collaboration with Lauren Eisemann, a long-time foaling attendant at the stud.
Blended learning
These short courses are delivered in a blended learning format, combining written materials, online, and on-farm workshop. They are designed for individuals aged 18 and older. Online sessions are provided using the Zoom platform, therefore a good internet connection is required. The courses are ideal for those new to breeding, or anyone wishing to take a fresh look at their enterprise and management approaches.
The additional networking opportunities with others in the group and with the farm owners are always appreciated by participants. This is suitable for those looking to advance their current expertise or join as a new breeder.
For more details, and booking forms, see teagasc.ie/equinetraining
The breeding course group listening intently at Gloria Nolan Connemara Ponies. \ Teagasc
Young breeders
The Equine Young Breeders IRE Training Programme, a collaborative initiative between Teagasc and Horse Sport Ireland, and supported by the Department of Agriculture Food and Marine since is marking its 20th anniversary this year.
This programme welcomes those aged of 15 to 30 years who are interested in assessing, exhibiting, and breeding performance horses. An avid interest and eagerness to participate and learn are all that is required to get involved.
The skills and knowledge acquired through this training are applicable in many contexts, including evaluating potential horses or ponies for purchase, selecting mares and stallions for breeding, assessing offspring, and presenting horses for inspection, sale, shows or competitions.
Training sessions
Training sessions primarily focus on assessing conformation and athleticism traits, including movement and jumping abilities, while also offering insights into various breeding and production yards nationwide. Biennial national and world championships serve as platforms for both competition, and learning.
Irish teams have achieved notable successes at world championships over the years, with highlights such as the 2009 Studbook Bronze in Ireland, the 2013 Swedish Studbook Reserve World Championships, and The Netherlands 2022 Studbook World Championships among numerous other accolades for Irish teams and individuals.
Individuals aged 16-26 years old in 2026 (ie born between 2000 and 2010) are eligible for selection to participate in the upcoming World Championship in Germany at the historic Celle State Stud.
The Young Breeders Programme offers a fantastic opportunity for young individuals to connect with peers nationwide who share a passion for horses, ensuring engaging conversations and often lasting friendships. Training this year resumed with a visit to eventer Ian Cassells who is entering the 2025 season on the back of a simply masterful 2024 season. The discussion focused on conformation and athleticism traits, and what makes a good event horse. Training moves to Melanie and Neil Wrynn’s Ardeo Sport Horses, Newcastle, Co Wicklow on 5 April. Additional events will be scheduled in the coming months.
Selection
The programme does not require formal membership, allowing participants to attend training sessions as their schedules permit. Many choose to travel extensively across the country, attending as many training days as possible. The most effective way to learn is by observing many different horses and discussing their traits with experienced horse people.
For those aspiring to join the team during World Championships 2026, dedicated attendance and active participation are expected. Selection for the team involves attending compulsory selection days and additional training sessions leading up to the event.
Detailed information about the selection process, training schedules, and booking can be found teagasc.ie/rural-economy/rural-development/equine/young-breeders-programme/. Follow ‘Equine Young Breeders IRE’ on Facebook or Instagram.
Head to Normandy and learn from top French breeders
A limited number of seats are available for the upcoming Equine Educational Tour to France (6-10 September) which includes attending the ‘Grandes Semaines de Fontainebleau’ young horse finals, followed by three days visiting breeding and production farms across Normandy specialising in show jumping and eventing, and a visit to Cirale veterinary school, clinic, and research centre.
For more details, visit Teagasc’s Equine educational tours page.
Over the years, Teagasc has organised several similar tours, providing valuable networking opportunities with fellow travellers and farm personnel.
The minimum age for participants is 18 years. These tours are designed for individuals eager to expand their knowledge of breeding and production. Please note that the days are intensive, with early starts, and not intended as a holiday experience. Tour partner Group Travel International manages the logistical aspects and bookings for the tour.
Other upcoming events
The ‘Let’s Talk Equine’ webinar series offers free monthly sessions on a variety of topics. Recordings of previous webinars and registration for live webinars is accessible at teagasc.ie/letstalkequine. Further educational offerings are in planning for the remainder of the year. To stay informed about upcoming events, sign up for the Teagasc Equine Newsletter via their website.
This is a subscriber-only article
SHARING OPTIONS: